Thursday, June 16, 2011

You'll just have to keep on searching... Katie Price is left red-faced after auditions for her new reality show are a washout

By JESSICA SATHERLEY

On the lookout: Katie Price sat on an X Factor-style panel during the public auditions but the hordes of contestants organisers had anticipated failed to materialise

She was probably prepared to fend off the advances of a legion of desperate wannabes at live auditions for her new reality show.

But Katie Price was left flummoxed when barely a handful of of potential contestants turned up to try out for her latest television show at the Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush, London.

Amusingly, aides had been expecting hundreds of wannabes to queue for a spot on her find-a-model programme, Discovered By Katie Price, and put up rows of crowd control barriers.

Small gathering: The area around the stage at Westfield was relatively empty

However the glamour model later sat red-faced on an X Factor-style panel as organisers were reduced to begging random shoppers to join in.

A witness told The Sun newspaper: 'It was a disaster. She was on stage with her arms folded and a face like a slapped bottom.

'Her people were trying to tempt shoppers to take part - most of whom would never have passed for a model in a million years.'

What crowds?: The barriers outside Westfield remain empty

On the hotspot: A potential male model stands in front of Katie and her panel at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush, London

The show is being filmed for Sky Living and hopes to use Miss Price's knowledge, gained from fifteen years in the business, to find exciting new talent.

According to the website: 'Katie's on the hunt for "the next big thing" to sign to a new talent agency. The winner will get a year long contract, personal mentoring from Katie and loads of other fabulous prizes.'

The former glamour model was snapped with a huge sparkler on her wedding finger as she arrived at Westfield shopping yesterday, sparking rumours she may be engaged to her current beau Leandro Penna.

Argentinean model Penna, 25, who is thought to have bought the piece of jewellery for her, accompanied Price on her big day.

New bling: Katie Price was snapped wearing the new bing ring on her wedding finger today

Katie’s tweet this morning might have been aimed to dismiss the rumours though, as she posted: ‘Everyone keeps saying I have very big news to announce.

‘I’m confused I don’t know what you mean!’

As well as her new ring, the 33-year-old was also showing off a very heavy tan and large blonde wavy hair.

She dressed up in a little black skirt, tights and a white top alongside black strappy heels on her way to search for the UK’s hottest new model.

The mother-of three tweeted on her way to auditions: ‘I’ve been told very high standard of people auditioning today can’t wait to get there woo hoo.’

Leandro, who Katie has been dating since February this year, joined her for moral support today.

Model search: Katie was on her way to Westfield Shopping Centre in London to search for glamour models for her new agency

In love: Her Argentinian boyfriend Leandro Penna (right) joined her to the auditions in Westfield

Since sparking up their romance, Katie has already been tattooed on her ankle with the date that they met as a symbol of their love.

Discovered by Katie Price, which will air on Sky Living this autumn, will see Katie set up Black Sheep Management modelling agency to find a model who ‘will break the mould’.

She has started touring the UK to find the new boy or girl who is expected to front commercial marketing campaigns.

The successful candidate is expected to have the ‘drive, passion and hunger to rival hers’, according to programme-makers.

Those who make the shortlist will be put through their paces in a series of challenges and learn about the industry in the show.

Talking about the show, Katie said: ‘This is a really personal mission for me. I know I’m a good businesswoman and if I find the right boy of girl, I would like to sign them to my new agency.’

Twice as nice: Peter Andre poses with the 2011 Premier Inn Celebrity Dad of the year award at Premier Inn Kensington Olympia

Meanwhile, Katie's first husband, Peter Andre, has been awarded the title of Celebrity Dad Of The Year.

The singer, 38, picked up the gong for the second year running beating the likes of Elton John and David Furnish - the first ever gay couple to be shortlisted for the award - Jonathan Ross and Michael McIntyre.

The Premier Inn Celebrity Dad of the Year rewards 'the celebrity dad who has impressed the nation by balancing a hectic public life with the demands of parenting", according its blurb.

Family outing: In April Peter took his two children and stepson Harvey to Cyprus while his ex-wife was on holiday in Argentina with new boyfriend Leandro Penna

Andre said: 'This means a huge amount to me as being a dad is my most important role.'This feels so great. It was an honour to win last year but to still have the public's support and best wishes is a tremendous feeling.'

He also tweeted to followers to express his joy at winning.

Peter wrote: 'Thank you thank you thank you for all who voted . I have just won Celeb Dad of the year. really proud to be a dad to three awesome kids.

'Can't tell you how happy this has made me.Love you guys.Lots of awesome dads out there who all deserve recognition.This ones for you guys.'

He accepted the publicly-voted award at a Premier Inn in Kensington, west London, today.

Andre is father to Junior, five, and Princess, three, from his marriage to Katie Price, and stepfather to her son Harvey, nine.